Kosovo is a small but beautiful country in southeastern Europe, home to many exciting tourist attractions. There is much to see and do in Kosovo, from its stunning mountains and lakes to its charming old towns and vibrant cities. Here are twelve fun things to do in Kosovo to get you started exploring this fascinating country.
1. Visit The Gračanica Monastery
The Gračanica Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery in Kosovo. It was built in 1321 and is one of the most important cultural and historical sites. Visitors can explore the beautiful monastery grounds, view the stunning architecture, and learn about the site’s history. Also, the Serbian orthodox churches are a great place to take pictures.
2. Stroll Through The Old Town Of Prizren
The Old Town of Prizren is one of the most beautiful places in Kosovo. Visitors can explore the winding streets, visit historic buildings, and sample traditional Kosovo cuisine.
Pristina might be the largest city in Kosovo, but Prizren is the cultural capital for many people. Located near the border of Albania and Macedonia, Prizren is an ancient town full of historical sites.
- Take a stroll through the Old Town: With its winding streets and historic buildings, the Old Town is the major attraction to spend an afternoon exploring. Be sure to visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the oldest in Kosovo, and the League of Prizren Museum, which chronicles the history of this important town.
- Climb to Castle Ruins: For sweeping views of Prizren and beyond, make your way to the castle ruins atop a hill on the edge of town. The hike takes about 20 minutes, but it’s worth it for the panoramic views.
- Sample Local Cuisine: Kosovo cuisine is a blend of Albanian, Turkish and Serbian influences, and you can find some delicious dishes to try in Prizren. Be sure to sample burek (a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese), kofta (minced meatballs), and ajvar (a roasted pepper spread).
- Sip on Some Kosovo Wine: Kosovo may not be known for its wine, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try. There are a few wineries in the area, so ask around for recommendations and see if you can find a new favorite. You can also explore Kosovo nightlife in the City center.
- Go River rafting: The Bistrica River is outside Prizrer, perfect for an afternoon of river rafting. A few different companies offer tours, so choose one that suits your skill level and enjoy a day on the water.
- Visit Gazimestan Monument: This monument commemorates the site of the Kosovo war, which took place in 1389 between the Serbian army and the Ottoman Empire. It’s a sobering reminder of Kosovo’s tumultuous history but is well worth visiting.
3. Have Fun At Marble Caves
The marble caves at Rugova Gorge are a must-see for any visitor to Kosovo. The caves are open to the public and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also go hiking or skiing in the nearby Brezovica ski resort.
The cave is known for its beautiful marble rock formations. Some of the stalactites and stalagmites are up to six meters high. The cave temperature is a constant of 11-13 degrees Celsius. Visitors need to wear warm clothing, even in summer. A local guide will take you on a cave tour, which lasts about an hour. You need to buy a ticket from the Visitor Centre to enter the cave.
4. Explore The Caves At Rugova Canyon
This beautiful canyon is just a short drive from Prizren and makes for a great half-day hike. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the river below.
It is one of the top Kosovo attractions for nature lovers. The canyon was created by the retreating Peć glacier and water erosion and is now home to the Peć Bistrica river. Rugova Canyon is 25 kilometers long and has a maximum depth of 1,000 meters, making it one of the longest and deepest canyons in Europe. Visitors to Rugova Canyon can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and swimming in the Peć Bistrica river.
Many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, rock climbing, and exploring caves. The canyon is home to several caves that are open to the public. Visitors can explore the caves, take in the stunning views, and learn about the history of Kosovo.
5. Hike To Šar Mountain
Šar Mountain is a popular hiking destination for visitors to Kosovo. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and hikers can also explore several caves and waterfalls along the way.
The Šar Mountains National Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, and the scenery is simply beautiful.
For unspoiled nature and wildlife, head to Šar Mountains National Park. The park is home to glacial lakes, rugged mountain scenery, meadows, forests, caves, and gorges, making it a haven for nature lovers.
You can expect to see 1,500 plant species, 200 bird species, and 140 different types of butterflies. More giant animals that call the park home include gray wolves, chamois, lynx, brown bears, and deer. If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous Kosovo experience, it is worth visiting.
6. Pay A Visit To Gjakova’s Bazaar
For a taste of local life, head to the Gjakova Bazaar. This vibrant market is full of stalls selling fresh produce, clothes, and trinkets. It’s the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or try some traditional Kosovo food. The market is open every day, and there are plenty of places to sit and relax with a drink or bite to eat while you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant market.
The bazaar is full of exciting shops, and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. There are also several mosques and türbes (Turkish tombs), making it a fascinating place to explore. If you’re looking for a truly unique shopping experience, the Old Bazaar is worth visiting. Overall, another must-see in Gjakova is full of interesting shops and stalls and is a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some people-watching.
7. Learn About Traditional Kosovo Culture At The Ethnographic Museum
Kosovo is home to a rich and diverse culture shaped by its unique history. The Ethnological Museum in Pristina is the perfect place to learn about traditional Kosovo culture and see some of the country’s most important historical artifacts. The museum houses a collection of traditional artifacts, and visitors can also take part in traditional Kosovo dances and music performances.
8. Go Skiing Or Hiking In Brezovica
Brezovica is a popular ski resort in Kosovo. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery, go skiing or hiking, and take pictures of the nearby mountains. Badovc Lake is one of Kosovo’s most popular summertime destinations.
The sparkling waters and sandy beaches are perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. Don’t forget to try some delicious food from the nearby restaurants before you leave.
9. Take Pictures Near Bill Clinton Statue
The Bill Clinton statue is a must-see for any visitor to Kosovo. The statue is located in downtown Pristina, and visitors can take pictures with the former president or simply enjoy the view of the city from the statue. It’s a wonderful place to promote Kosovo tourism if you visit Kosovo.
10. Sample Some Delicious Kosovo Cuisine
Kosovo is home to several delicious traditional dishes. Visitors can sample some of the most popular dishes, such as Kosovo pie, Pljeskavica, and Kifli, at Pristina’s restaurants. Also, try out the traditional dishes like flija, burek, and qofte. Furthermore, don’t forget to sample the local wine and beer.
You can enjoy the traditional Kosovo dishes in any of Pristina’s restaurants. Or, for a more authentic experience, try cooking some of the dishes yourself. There are many recipes available online and in cookbooks.
11. Learn About the Albanian Alphabet
The Albanian alphabet is unique and exciting to learn about in this youngest country. Visitors can see the alphabet on display in Pristina, such as in the National Library of Kosovo and the Museum of Kosovo. There are also several books available that teach about the Albanian alphabet.
12. Visit the National Library of Kosovo
The Kosovo National Library is one of Pristina’s most impressive buildings. The library contains over two million books, making it one of the largest libraries in the Balkans. Visitors can view the library’s collection, which includes works by Kosovar and Albanian authors or attend one of the many events held at the library.
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Summing Up
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Kosovo is your place. From hiking and rock climbing to exploring caves, there’s plenty to keep you busy visiting Kosovo. The via Ferrata, or iron trail, is a must-do for any thrill-seeker and is the only one of its kind in the Balkans.
If it’s your first time visiting Kosovo, other highlights include waterfalls, the historic Patriarchate of Peć Monastery, and the Gryka e Madhe Cave. So whether you’re looking to explore nature or soak up some history, Kosovo has something for everyone.